Next year, Hamilton Southeastern parents will get a break after the district dropped half-days. (WISH Photo)

FISHERS, Ind (WISH) – Fishers parents might notice something missing from next year’s calendar, that’s been a staple for years.

For the first time in years, Hamilton Southeastern Schools (HSE) will not have any half-days.

“Now the parent doesn’t have to think about what to do with the kids when they’re at home,” HSE parent Danny Iskandar said.

“I work from home, so it works out well for us,” HSE parent Nicole Jud said. “I could understand people that have to arrange childcare. That would have to be a hassle for them, but for us it works out great.”

The school board approved the calendar Wednesday night. They had three options, and went with the one without half-days.

“Lots of conversations, lots of studying, lots of talking, the number of versions that we’ve gone through on calendar,” HSE school and community relations director Bev Redmond said. “The public should know we put a lot of work into this.”

There are two half-days this year, but in the past, it’s been four. It’s a scheduling tool the district has used for many years.

“Certainly it pre-dates me, and I’m going to say it pre-dates a couple of generations,” Redmond said. “It’s been a long time since we operated without that half-day concept.”

Half-days are used for professional development. A time for teachers to learn new things, and talk to their peers. With the half-day gone, the district is trying to figure out new ways for teachers to still get it.

“Everyone is still planning, but we will begin to see things shift more from that half-day concept to spread it out throughout the year,” Redmond said.

A concept parents seem to like, especially since it won’t require seeing a bus pull up hours early a few times a year. “I think it’s good for the teacher, they would good professional development so they can learn ways to teach the kids better,” Iskandar said.

Another change parents will see next year, fall break. Right now, students get one day off, but next year, it’ll be a week. To view the new HSE calendar, click here.